News Genetics

Africa’s oldest human DNA helps unveil an ancient population shift

Long-distance mate seekers started staying closer to home about 20,000 years ago

a group of Dinka people sitting on the ground where one man dressed in blue holds a drum and others hold instruments

Three modern African groups, including Dinka people (some pictured), provided DNA that helped researchers identify a shift from long-distance to regional mating strategies across much of the continent about 20,000 years ago.

Stefanie Glinski/AFP via Getty Images

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

Ancient Africans in search of mates traded long-distance travels for regional connections starting about 20,000 years ago, an analysis of ancient and modern DNA suggests.